Spotify is no longer accepting new submissions of apps for its desktop player, the company has announced. While it will stop any new apps from being added to the client, the service will be continuing to offer access to its Web API and mobile APIs, in what could be considered a move towards a greater mobile focus for the music-streaming company.

The Spotify Apps platform launched in late 2011, and allowed developers to integrate their own apps with the Spotify client and be listed in the App Directory, such as Last.fm and Soundrop. It was also used to offer apps made for artists, offering exclusive music and tailored playlists, while brands like Intel and AT&T provided extra promotional features.

Spotify Apps

In a blog post explaining the changes, Spotify advises that partners of the service were looking for a "cheaper and easier way to own a presence," and for "more ways to integrate Spotify with their own applications." The post notes the "growing importance of mobile and that the company "needed to adapt." Spotify will be adding new features for partners, expanding the Web API, and releasing new mobile SDKS like the beta iOS SDK in the "coming months."

Existing apps in the App Finder will continue to operate, but Spotify will only permit critical updates to apply in the future. New apps will not be accepted, though any apps that have been approved will continue through the process for launch on the platform. Developers can still make apps for local use, using the Spotify Apps API.

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